Language is slippery. Research by biology professor David Wilcove shows that migratory shorebird populations are declining due to “hunting and fishing nets” in China (Research, opening photo, November issue). But there is no clarification in the text whether this means that nets (alone, both for hunting and fishing), pose the threat, or if it is a combination of fishing nets and also (presumably) land-based hunting. The noted recommendation for “removing nets once harvest season ends” suggests that the threat is singularly nets (both on land and sea). But being the knucklehead I am, I long-ago learned how rudimentarily wrong my goofy guesses can problematically prove to be.
“Colorful nets” are also noted as a solution to the population decline, but no illuminating unambiguous explanation is offered to satisfy inquiring minds.
There is no more perfect publication on this planet than our perennially prized and popularly priceless PAW. But some further refinement in editorial effort here, and henceforth, will be graciously greeted with great and growing gratitude.
Language is slippery. Research by biology professor David Wilcove shows that migratory shorebird populations are declining due to “hunting and fishing nets” in China (Research, opening photo, November issue). But there is no clarification in the text whether this means that nets (alone, both for hunting and fishing), pose the threat, or if it is a combination of fishing nets and also (presumably) land-based hunting. The noted recommendation for “removing nets once harvest season ends” suggests that the threat is singularly nets (both on land and sea). But being the knucklehead I am, I long-ago learned how rudimentarily wrong my goofy guesses can problematically prove to be.
“Colorful nets” are also noted as a solution to the population decline, but no illuminating unambiguous explanation is offered to satisfy inquiring minds.
There is no more perfect publication on this planet than our perennially prized and popularly priceless PAW. But some further refinement in editorial effort here, and henceforth, will be graciously greeted with great and growing gratitude.